From the Director

by Stephanie Norton-Bredl, Executive Director
August 24, 2026

As summer comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the many partners, volunteers, donors, and neighbors who helped make this season’s Summer Lunch Program possible. Because of this community’s generosity, over 900 children and their families had access to nourishing food during a time of year when school meals are not available and household budgets are often stretched. 

Looking ahead, we know the need for food assistance may continue to grow. Upcoming changes to Medicare are likely to bring more individuals and families to the food bank seeking support, and we are preparing to meet that need with compassion, dignity, and reliable access to healthy food. 

Our farm partnerships remain a vital part of that work. These relationships help ensure that fresh, nutritious food is available to anyone in our community who needs it, and they strengthen our ability to provide choices that support health and well-being. 

I am also excited to share that in July, we purchased the Auto Freight Building, an important milestone that will help make our facility expansion project a reality. This purchase brings us one step closer to creating the space we need to better serve our neighbors today and for years to come, and we look forward to keeping you updated as we enter the next phase of this important project. 

Now, as we enter one of the busiest seasons for the food bank, we are already preparing for the months ahead. With kids returning to school, we typically see an uptick in enrollment across our programs, and our team is gearing up for several important community events, including Recipe for Hope, Turkey Trot, and our Holiday Gift program. These efforts help ensure that families have the support they need as the school year begins and the holiday season approaches. 

If you are interested in learning more about our operations, our facility expansion project, or any of our upcoming events, please reach out. We are excited to help you get more engaged in our mission and the work ahead.